News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

MHA Jones says government laxness contributed to Aleutian Disease in Labrador mink farms
July 18,  2007

MHA for the District of Cartwright-L=Anse au Clair and Opposition Critic for Natural Resources, Yvonne Jones, says  Aleutian Disease infecting two new mink farms in Labrador could have been preventable had government been stricter with protocols and she is calling for a compensation package for the affected farmers. 

Aleutian Disease was confirmed on a mink farm in the province in mid-June and other  farms have since been infected including the two in Labrador.  While not threatening to humans, the Aleutian virus often kills minks or causes reproductive problems or poor quality pelts.  

AI am very upset by government and its Department of Natural Resources for allowing those minks to be transported to Labrador without first confirming that they were disease free,@ says Jones. AClearly, the protocols with respect to this industry and this disease were not followed.  Now we have an entire industry in this region at least that is seriously in trouble because of government=s failure to adhere to health and safety guidelines.@ 

The Liberal MHA says the two mink farms in Labrador required a great deal of investment and operators have extended their financial capital to the point where they are unable to take the loss that is associated with putting these minks down and disinfecting the whole operation.   AIt is only appropriate that since government and their veterinarians allowed for an environment that led to this problem that government should now step in with a compensation package.   They are liable for the economic impact created by this disease because of their carelessness in handling the breeding stock for these brand new farms.  

ANot only am I requesting that a compensation package be provided to these two mink farms to help them sustain their operations, I am asking that for the short-term  government send someone to this area to have a look at the loss and the effects of this blow on these operations.  It is important that a better understanding for the need for such a package  be acquired so this industry can soon be reestablished and provide the much-needed economic support for this region of the province.@

Media Contact:
Kim Ploughman
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427